This is the second installment of Grad School Reporter Laura Jackson’s How to Get An Internship series.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first year, sophomore, junior, senior, grad student or a new professional; an internship is an essential setup for academic and career success. Despite your freelance work, stunning portfolio and impressive bachelor’s degree, potential employers will continue to ask, “What type of experience do you have?” Completing an internship (especially during your undergraduate/graduate career) is a great way to build experience.
This month, we will discuss how to research and how to master networking! If you missed last month’s article, here is the link. Okay, Her Campus ladies, let’s start!
Step 1: Visit Career Development. As previously mentioned, Emma Johnson is the Internship Supervisor at Chatham University. Her office is located on the 3rd floor of the library. Students: don’t miss out on this valuable resource! She has connections to several companies (and alumni) affiliated with Chatham. In addition, try to pay attention to the weekly Career Development emails sent by Monica Ritter! Often, Ms. Ritter posts opportunities for internships, jobs and networking events with Pittsburgh companies and Chatham alumnae.
Step 2: Simplyhired.com, Indeed.com and Craigslist. In regard to job searching, these three sites work best for me. Don’t be afraid of Craigslist! If you navigate the site securely, you will discover many internship opportunities! Make sure to ONLY respond to companies that list the company name, address, phone number, e-mail and employee contact. NEVER e-mail a company that is missing any of the above information. Indeed.com is such a powerful resource! Simplyhired.com reposts a few of the postings from Indeed.com (make sure to first visit Indeed.com). Even so, both sites will help you narrow down the search to your professional field of choice. If you utilize these sites as often as I do, they will remember previous searches and will alert you of new jobs in your major.
Step 3: NETWORKING! Speak with anyone and EVERYONE about possibilities for an internship. Ask your professors if they know of any alumni in your field of study. Ask professors and fellow students if they know of any upcoming internships in your field of study. Pay attention to networking events, both at Chatham and in the Pittsburgh area. The Cultural District of Downtown Pittsburgh offers plenty of networking experiences. Search on Facebook and Twitter for networking events in Lawrenceville, Oakland (home to Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and Phipps Conservatory) and Shadyside; they’re all just a short bus ride from campus! Make sure to chose a professional outfit and be sure to bring your business cards, your social skills and your professional “A-Game” to your networking events! Use either a headband or hair band or style your hair neatly. A natural makeup look is best for both networking events and business functions. For hair, fashion and makeup tutorials, check out these beauty vloggers on YouTube: Michelle Phan (Rice Bunny), Tanya Burr (Pixi2woo), Fleur DeForce and Ingrid (MissGlamorazzi/ Grid Monster).
Once you have completed these steps, you will be ready for Part 3 (next month’s installment): Drafting and Sending Your Cover Letter and Resume! Best of luck with the rest of the semester and your summer internship search!